Combination of Good Timing and Investment Have U.S. Auto Maker Outpacing Rivals

SHANGHAI—Ford Motor Co. is driving into the big leagues of China's auto industry after years in the minors, thanks in part to a prescient call four years ago anticipating rising demand for sport-utility vehicles by Chinese consumers.

Ford's sales in China leaped more than 50% last year and are off to a strong start in 2014. Two things have driven the surge: Chinese customers began to shun Japanese cars in 2012 over a heated...